| title | Getting started |
|---|---|
| description | What subnames are, how to use them, and where to begin |
| icon | hand-wave |
ENS turns long 0x addresses into memorable names like alice.eth. Subnames extend a parent name (e.g., brand.eth) to create usernames for people, apps, and agents — like alice.brand.eth.
Namespace allows builders to easily implement Subname registrations in their apps, wallets, chains, AI agents, or communities. Subnames function across wallets, apps, and chains, serving as an identity layer to enhance user experience, safety, and streamline onboarding.
Embed subnames in your wallet, app, or L2 to improve UX and safety. Launch, list, and sell subnames with no code using the Namespace App. Start building with our SDKs/APIs.There are 3 key ways to issue subnames. Use this guide to pick the right approach for you.
Offchain subnames are simple database records and work by leveraging [CCIP-read](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-3668). Best for large-scale issuance, require no gas fees to create, flexible ownership controls, and simple API/SDK management. Great default for most apps.<Card title="Create offchain subnames" icon="rocket" horizontal href="/developer-guide/guide/create-offchain-subnames">
Step-by-step guide
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<Card title="Mint L2 subnames" icon="bolt" horizontal href="/developer-guide/guide/mint-l1-l2-subnames">
Step-by-step guide
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<Card title="Mint L1 subnames" icon="sparkles" horizontal href="/developer-guide/guide/mint-l1-l2-subnames">
Step-by-step guide
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Discover who is using ENS Subname in Web3 and what for.
- **L2 chain** → consistent ecosystem naming and discovery with one namespace. - **Wallets** → Branded wallet names (human-readable names instead of addresses). - **Payment apps** → Simple names for sending/receiving payments. - **AI agents** → Each agent gets a sovereign, unique, verifiable ENS ID/profile. - **Launchpads** → Auto-assign subnames to every contract or AI agent created. - **RaaS providers** → Chain-wide naming service for every rollup. - **Blockchain infra/tools** → Adds a universal identity layer for developers. - **Wallet-as-a-Service** → One wallet name that works across all chains. - **Games** → Custom player usernames with cross-chain utility. - **Identity apps/services** → Use ENS as the foundation for digital identity. - **Communities** → Subnames for members, strengthening shared identity. - **Individuals** → Creators give subnames to followers for onboarding. - **All others** → Any user-facing app needs names as identity primitives. - **Universal identity** → One name works across apps, wallets, and blockchains. - **Trust & safety** → Reduces errors, scams, and copy-paste risks. - **Scam protection** → No phishing, address spoofing, clipboard hijacking, etc. - **Simplified Onboarding** → Users get onboarded simply by registering a username. - **New revenue streams** → Premium names, renewals, subname activations. - **Referrals** → Domains and subdomains used as trackable referral links. - **Portability** → Identity you own, not locked to any app or chain. - **Brand Visibility** → People wear their _name_.base.eth as their social handle. - **Social identity** → Communities distribute branded names - **Cross-app interoperability** → ENS usernames resolve across 1,000\+ web3 apps - **Onchain Profile** → ENS \+ metadata (avatar, social handles, website, addresses...) - **Immutable websites** → Decentralized, censorship-resistant website (contenthash) Launch and manage subnames without code. Build with our SDKs and APIs. Send us a message and let's build something together.